Enjoy the Play Work Build exhibit at the Building Museum for FREE on Saturday
Happy Weekend!
A Monumental Reopening!
Where: Washington Monument | National Mall, DC
When: Starting Thursday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
After being closed for repairs for several years, the Washington Monument is reopening! From September 19 – October 18, same-day, free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8:30am at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th Street NW, between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW. (Starting on October 10 at 10am, advance reservation tickets may be ordered online for tour dates beginning on October 19 with a nominal processing fee. Same-day, free tickets will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis daily.) The monument will be open daily.
“Fall” Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s almost officially fall (September 23!), and there are tons of ways to get into the spirit of the season, from city streets to country farms. Cox, Great Country, Ticonderoga, Montpelier, Clark’s Elioak, and many more farms around the area are welcoming visitors for all kinds of autumn-inspired fun. The annual H Street Festival celebrates the thriving corridor in northeast DC. Taste of Georgetown brings yummy bites and more festivities to its neighborhood. Ren Fest gets medieval every weekend through October. Details on all of these events and more are in the KFDC guide to Fall Festivals.
Annual Fall Open House
Where: My Gym | Bethesda & Potomac, MD
When: Friday, 4-7:30pm
Admission: Free
Join My Gym Potomac and My Gym Bethesda for their Annual Free Fall Open House on Friday, September 20th, 4-7:30pm. Meet the teachers, play in the super fun gym, learn tumbling and gymnastic skills, enjoy fitness games, and get their best fall discounts for classes, parties, and camps. Find more info and RSVP here!
Juggle Jam
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 6-7:30pm
Admission: $5 suggestion donation
Get ready to throw mad tricks and boogie down at Juggle Jam! All ages and skill levels are welcome, and equipment is provided. The workshop begins with a short demo, moves into hands-on instruction, then finishes with a collaborative show that puts students in the center ring! Wear comfortable clothes that allow relaxed movements.
Back to the Yards
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 7-9pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the last days of summer with Back to The Yards, a throwback neon dance party! Jam out to a playlist of 80’s and 90’s chart-toppers, one-hit wonders, and favorites — don’t forget to wear your best throwback attire! Family-friendly activities like slap bracelet making, neon glow face paint, all the best vintage arcade games, and more will make this a party for the ages! Admission is free and kids of all ages are welcome to attend.
Museum Day Live
Where: Museums
around the DMV
When: Saturday
Admission: FREE
There are actually some museums in the DC area that actually charge admission. But on Saturday, Smithsonian Magazine is hosting its annual Museum Day Live!, when those that require us to open our wallets to visit are free. Take advantage at the National Building Museum, National Museum of Women in the Arts, National Law Enforcement Museum, College Park Aviation Museum, Dumbarton House, Baltimore Museum of Industry, and many more fantastic museums in the area. You do have to get a ticket (that is good for admission for two people), but it’s all complimentary!
ZooFiesta
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the Smithsonian-wide Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at “ZooFiesta: Un día de diversión animal para toda la familia.” Come together with your family and friends for a fun-filled day of live music, activities, and animal demonstrations. Learn about animals native to Latin America and conservation efforts in the region, and discover how Smithsonian scientists work to protect species and habitats worldwide! And note that National Zoo hours are 8am – 7pm, so plan to go early or stay after the fiesta to enjoy even more.
The REACH Opening Festival
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
It the final weekend to celebrate the opening of The REACH, the wonderful expansion of the Kennedy Center, is starting its second week. All are invited and encouraged to enjoy all kinds of performances, events, hands-on learning, and more opportunities for creativity in action. See what’s on the schedule and reserve free tickets for events here.
Homecoming at Abe’s Place
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Admission: Free for Family Day, $35-40 for the 5k
Lincoln’s Cottage is once again combining their two popular events, the Freedom 5K and Family Day, into one full day of racing and family fun: Homecoming! During the Civil War the Lincoln family called the Cottage home. This year they welcome everyone back “home” to join in a full day of activities where you can run, walk, and play like Lincoln. Go for just the race, just Family Day activities, or stick around for both.
Hispanic Innovators in Space Family Day
Where: Air & Space Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the National Air and Space Museum and learn about Hispanic innovators of the past and present. Meet Hispanic scientists and engineers. Build a clothespin airplane to celebrate the first Hispanic fighter pilot Felix Rigau Carrera. Attend a free bilingual planetarium show at 10:30 am (free). Enjoy Flights of Fancy story time in Spanish (time TBD). Create your own airship like Alberto Santos Dumont. And more!
H Street Festival
Where: H Street NE, DC
When: Saturday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
This annual festival on northeast DC’s thriving hip corridor is always huge. If you don’t mind crowds, there is tons to see and do. The event features loads of live entertainment, cool art exhibits, food trucks, crafts for sale by local vendors, fashion shows, dancin’ in the street, and children’s activities, including face painting, story telling, and moon bounces. Public transportation is recommended, as parking is always difficult.
Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
* Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!” opens at Adventure Theatre this weekend
* InterAct Story Theatre’s Bobtail Bong Bong: A Monkey’s Tale is a world premiere interactive play for children
* Take tweens and older to see What the Constitution Means to Me at the Kennedy Center
* It’s opening weekend for Broadway smash Cats, also at the Kennedy Center (find discounts)
* The 3 Billy Goats Gruff is back at The Puppet Co.
* And Magic Toyshop is the featured Tiny Tots show there this weekend
* Cirque de Soleil: Volta is still wowing audiences under the Big Top at Tyson’s (find discounts)
* Olney Theatre presents The Diary of Anne Frank
* Make it a date night for Jitney at Arena Stage or The Tempest at Synetic Theatre
Kids Consignment Sale
Where: Trinity United Methodist Church | Alexandria,VA
When: Saturday, 8am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Moms Club of Alexandria Northeast is Save is hosting this consignment sale where you can score some amazing deals on top brand kids clothes, toys, and gear! Doors open at 8:00am, then close 11:00-11:15am, then reopen for the half-price sale until 12:30! Cash and credit cards accepted. Trinity United Methodist Church is located at 2911 Cameron Mills in Alexandria.
Refurbished Bike Sale
Where: Big Bear Cafe | Shaw, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Considering commuting on 2 wheels? Looking for a jump on fall riding? Just in time, Phoenix Bikes will be selling a large inventory of quality, refurbished bikes and new bike gear at Big Bear Cafe, along with Gearin’ Up Bicycles and Bikes for the World. Check out the sale for a great deal on a bike that benefits local non-profits…truly a win-win!
ArtsFest
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Solomons, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $7, free/11 & under
Artsfest is a spectacular celebration of the visual and performing arts – and is the only festival of its kind in the region! You’ll find more than 175 artist booths, 35 performers on four stages, activities for kids, great food, wine & beer, and much more! The center of the fun is always the Discovery Tent, where creative, hands-on activities for all ages can be found. The nearby Zany Zone and Patio Play Area will keep the kids occupied while adults enjoy the Main Stage music and a drink. Other artful activities and surprises can be found hidden along the shady paths and grassy lawns of the festival. Read more about Annmarie here and here.
Book Sale
Where: Beatley Central Library | Alexandria, VA
When: Through Sunday
Admission: Free
Pick out some new reads at the Beatley Central Library’s Fall Book Sale! Loads of books, CDs, DVDs, and audio books will be available to purchase for anywhere from $1 to $5. Plan to join a story time session, too — there are several for children throughout the day. Hours vary by day, so be sure to check the schedule when you plan to go. The Library is located at 5005 Duke Street in Alexandria, VA.
Wiener 500 Oktoberfest
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Wiener 500 Oktoberfest at The Wharf! Stop by District Pier on Saturday1pm-5pm to watch some of the speediest dogs compete for prizes. All race proceeds benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. All ages are welcome to enjoy the music, munch on great food, and watch the races on a 17 foot jumbotron. (Adults can also drink cold Oktoberfest beer and participate in the stein hoisting competition!) Don’t have a Dachshund? All dogs can enter the contest for best-dressed! Plus, there will be local vendors and giveaways from DC’s best pet-friendly businesses.
Coat of Many Colors: The Music of Dolly Parton
Where: Mead Center, Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 8pm
Tickets: $25-75 (find discounts)
Join The American Pops Orchestra for a season opener featuring the music of the iconic, country legend, Dolly Parton. Let this timeless American music enchant you with fresh arrangements performed by the best in the biz. From greatest hits to hidden gems, this Dolly tribute is sure to delight. One night only!
Women’s Health & Wellness Day
Where: District Architecture Center | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: $75-99
All women are invited to this celebration of women’s bodies and an opportunity for education and empowerment. The event will include presentation-style learning opportunities as well as experiential classes. This third annual WHWD will consist of three tracks: General Wellness Track, Movement Track and a Post-Partum Track. The event will cover a wide range of wellness topics, finding your voice, including nutrition, meditation, yoga, post-partum management, and pelvic health.
Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival
Where: Wheaton Veterans Urban Park | Wheaton, MD
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
It’s a day for citizens, artists, businesses, and civic organizations to come together and celebrate art and the Wheaton community. Join the arts parade or watch others strut their stuff. Enjoy the festival, too, as more than 70 local artists will have their artwork on display and for sale. Live performances of music and dance, art-making demonstrations, family art and sensory inclusion activities, and a Food Court featuring some of Wheaton’s favorite restaurants will also be part of the fun. Rain or shine. (Note: The parade marches up the northbound lanes of Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, MD from the intersection at Veirs Mill Road to Price Ave then turns right on Fern and ends at Wheaton Veterans Urban Park.)
Taste of Georgetown
Where: Waterfront area on K Street NW | Georgetown, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free (taste tickets are extra)
One of DC’s most anticipated epicurean festivals, the annual Taste of Georgetown returns Sunday along the scenic waterfront area. The family-friendly event will offer creative tastes from 24 of the neighborhood’s best restaurants. In addition to an array of tasty food, the event will feature lawn games, music, and a kids’ corner with glitter face painting and coloring. Attendees will also have the opportunity to shop from the local retailers and learn more about local businesses.
Challah Bake
Where: Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 2-3:15pm
Admission: $10/person, $25/family
Rosh Hashanah is right around the corner, and kids can prep for it at an exciting Kid’s Bake off! Get ready to get your hands dirty with all the ingredients for delicious Rosh Hashana Challah! Kids get to make their very own challah from scratch, and then top it with raisins, chocolate chips, sprinkles, you name it! Have a creative topping idea? Let them know on the sign up page! Go here to save your spot.
DC United vs. Seattle Sounders
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Tickets start at $39
Finish off the weekend at a DC United match on Sunday evening as they host the Seattle Sounders. Get there early and enjoy some fun on the plaza beforehand. I recommend taking public transportation since parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood, grab dinner at one of the many eateries (El Bebe, The Salt Line, and All Purpose are my top recs), then walk from there.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* This video is tough to watch… but it’s a powerful, important message.
* I’ve always loved sweetgreen…and even more so now: Through October 13, they are donating $1 to local schools for every seasonal bowl sold. Go get a delicious salad!
* Lulabelle’s, a sweets & gift shop, and Loyalty Bookstore on Upshur Street NW just launched of a new year-round Reading Rewards Program for local youth!
* Still time to enter for a chance to win a 4-Pack of tickets for Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!” at Adventure Theatre
* Groupon is launching one of their best deals of 2019: One-year Gold Star Costco Membership plus $20 gift card for $60!
* Did you know all concerts at the 9:30 Club are all ages (unless otherwise posted)?
* This Vox article written by a local dad about raising kids in the city nails it. Most of his arguments are exactly the reasons we chose to raise a family here, some of them even the impetus for KFDC.
* My favorite IG post of the week!
